Steven Taylor today insisted that Newcastle United’s trip to Portugal for pre-season is proving to be no jolly in the sunshine.

United boss Alan Pardew warned earlier this week that he would put on the “toughest” pre-season training of his time as a football manager.

And Newcastle’s Braga boot camp has already resulted in players have to make full use of the ice baths on offer at SC Braga’s plush training base.

Pardew – who trained his players in front of the picturesque backdrop of the Monte Castro quarry – is challenging his players to compete with each other when it comes to strength and conditioning stats with selection awarded to those with the best fitness figures.

And the Magpies, who face Rio Ave tomorrow night in their second pre-season friendly, have also added performance director Faye Downey to their backroom team with the former England rugby union fitness guru helping to put Toon stars through their paces here in Braga.

The Magpies trained in temperatures of 28 degrees yesterday, but Taylor says the hard work will be worth it come August 19 when United kick off their Premier League season at Man City.

Taylor told the Chronicle in Braga: “Pre-season’s definitely harder than last year.

“We’re doing plenty of running. I’m enjoying it as well.

“After a difficult year, we want to hit the ground running in the Premier League and prove ourselves again.

“Everyone’s going to watching us very closely after last year. We need a big season from everyone. The good thing is that everyone wants to prove themselves.”

But despite the gruelling sessions during Pardew’s boot camp, Taylor said the spirit in the camp is good.

Speaking about the sessions in Braga, Taylor said: “No one is dropping out of sessions when they’re feeling a bit tight. They’re completing it. You can rest up afterwards.

“The discipline’s been spot on. A few things have changed, and the lads have bought into it.

“Hopefully, we’ll take that into the games.”

United players were warned by Pardew that they would be facing a tough pre-season in Portugal.

Taylor said: “Sometimes one or two might come back overweight; that hasn’t happened.

“Football has changed massively, you’ve got to keep yourself ticking over, and have a good diet.

“The good thing is that everyone’s kept themselves in good condition.

“With six weeks off, the players can only relax for a couple of weeks. You’ve got to spend the rest of the time keeping fit. Everyone’s come back in top shape.”

Meanwhile, Papiss Cisse continues to train alone on Tyneside away from his team-mates. Newcastle are keeping their counsel on the situation while work goes on behind the scenes in an effort to find a resolution following a row over whether the No 9 wears Wonga-branded gear.